Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Children
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Children
Does your child struggle to cope with intense emotions? Do they have a difficult time getting along with their classmates or teachers? Does your child lash out when you try to assert healthy rules or boundaries? Do you wish you could strengthen their mental and emotional fortitude to help them navigate their world confidently? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may be time to consider dialectical behavior therapy for children.
At Courageous Kids Counseling in New York, we provide DBT for children, teaching your child how to regulate their moods and manage extreme emotions. Our impactful therapy will also improve your child’s ability to communicate how they feel and cultivate stronger bonds with others. Using specialized techniques delivered by our trained counselors, we focus on sharing essential DBT skills to help your child reach new heights.
What Are DBT Skills for Kids?
Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based psychotherapy. However, child DBT therapy is adapted for children who experience heightened emotional states.
This specialized therapy comes from the concept of combining two seemingly opposite ideas. On one hand, children learn to truly see how their lives and behaviors are in the present. On the other hand, they acknowledge that they can do better and learn skills to modify unhelpful behaviors. Through DBT therapy for kids, we equip your child with the skills to face and cope with life’s challenges.
Through mindfulness, boundary setting, and emotional self-regulation, children begin to:
- Recognize their emotions, especially when their mood is becoming elevated.
- Understand what’s causing their impulsivity.
- Acknowledge when they’re dealing with a problem or situation in an unhelpful way.
- Learn how to control their behaviors better.
- Understand how to cope more effectively and problem-solve in any situation.
We also work with parents, teaching you the same skills your child gains in therapy so that you can reinforce new behavior patterns at home.
Why We Believe in DBT for Children
DBT is highly effective in addressing interpersonal conflicts at home and school. It also helps children deal with unhealthy and unhelpful behaviors.
Our team of licensed child therapists has extensive experience using this treatment approach with children and adolescents. DBT skills can enhance your child’s daily capabilities. The four skills your child’s therapist will focus on include:
- Mindfulness: Full awareness and focus in the present moment.
- Distress tolerance: Understanding and managing mood in stressful situations without resorting to harmful behaviors.
- Interpersonal skills: Learning how to ask for what they want and need while respecting others.
- Emotional regulation: Learning awareness of and control over intense emotions.
These DBT therapy skills provide kids with the tools to support their emotional and mental well-being.
Kids DBT Therapy
DBT therapy for kids is explicitly designed to cater to children’s unique needs and challenges. Kids experience emotions differently and some feel more strongly than their peers. This can result in verbal or physical aggression.
Dialectical behavior therapy for children meets kids at their cognitive and developmental levels. It also works with parents, training you to model the four DBT skills within your child at home. We strive to work with you to achieve lasting changes in your child’s emotional and behavioral regulation.
Teenage DBT Therapy
Our DBT therapy approach is also beneficial for teenagers, arming them with valuable skills as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. DBT for teens is ideal for adolescents struggling with extreme emotional instability, self-harm or even suicidal ideation.
The goal of DBT for this age group is to teach young people techniques to help them understand their emotions in a non-judgmental setting. We also work with them on the four DBT skills to manage intense moods and change behaviors in ways that will improve their quality of life.
Learn More About DBT for Children at Courageous Kids Counseling in New York
If your child seems angry, lonely or vulnerable, we want to help. We’re here to empower you and your child to overcome challenges and learn constructive ways to cope with emotional and behavioral issues. The dedicated Courageous Kids Counseling team is trained to provide tailored DBT therapy and skills for kids, ensuring our methods cater to your child’s individual needs. Our licensed counselors also partner with you to create a positive impact that lasts a lifetime.
Contact us today or schedule an appointment with Courageous Kids Counseling in New York to learn more about dialectical behavior therapy for children and teens.
Our Team Is Ready to Help You Get Started
Our skilled therapists are ready to meet with you and your child to determine the challenges they face and explore solutions through effective DBT therapy for kids.
We provide online counseling sessions, allowing your child or teen to feel comfortable in their own space while in therapy.
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